Giving the gift of life … blood

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) -

By: Lacy Deniz

The blood
bank needs your help in giving the best gift this holiday season…The gift of
life.

"It was
said in the past that up to one out of three people would need blood in their
lifetime," said Kim-Anh Nguyen, President and CEO of the Blood Bank of Hawaii.
"The need never really goes on break, there's no holiday for giving blood."

During
this time of the year, school is out, and most people go on vacation, which
leads to a dramatic decrease in donations. In fact, the blood bank is currently
below count in certain blood types. The Blood Bank needs to collect enough
blood, to prepare for the demand increase coming up in a few short months.

"In
January we have less blood on the shelves but greater needs," Nguyen said.

January
is national blood donor month for a specific reason; to raise awareness for
people to donate because of the post-holidays demand increase. Each day, the banks depend on 200 people to
role up their sleeves, and donate.

It's a
quick and easy process that can save three lives! You never know whose life you
may save by donating, like the Rasmussen's it could be your own family.